Macarinelli: If Wladimir Gains Control, Haye is in Trouble

By Phil D. Jay

Former WBO cruiserweight champion Enzo Macarinelli believes that the only chance David Haye has to beat Wladimir Klitschko on Saturday night is to hit the Ukrainian early with everything he has. The now light-heavyweight fighter says if ‘Dr Steelhammer’ gets into his rhythm, it could become uncomfortable viewing for British fans.

“Haye has to jump on him early and stop him getting into a rhythm behind that big heavy jab,” said Macarinelli on talkSPORT.co.uk.

Klitchsko is ten times better than [Haye’s 2009 opponent] Valuev and, if he lets him get control with that jab, David will be in trouble.

“The longer it goes on, the more chance Wladimir has to get that jab going and, if he does that, it’s going to be a hard night for David.”

The 30 year-old took on the ‘Hayemaker’ in an ill-fated and painful 200lb unification in 2008 and was blown-out and exposed in three rounds by the WBA champion. Macarinelli thinks Haye needs to do something similar to have any chance, as Klitschko well be more prepared than ever for an explosive start.

“Klitschko has only ever been beaten by fellas he’s expected to beat,” he added. “When he’s faced a tough fight he’s been very methodical in his preparation, and he will have prepared well for David.

“Wladimir is one of the best in the world at the moment but he’s never faced anyone who will throw punches at the angles David will.

“David has played the right game and got under Klitschko’s skin. David is laughing and joking because he knows what he’s doing is working.”

“I believe he can do it. Adam Booth is a tactical master and I think he will come up with a game plan [to succeed]. He locks himself in rooms for hours and hours and studies tapes to make sure everything is right and I think David’s chances are very high,” added Macarinelli.